Ultra Runner Ron Nicholls

Portland OR The 13th annual Megan's 24 Hour Track Run was won by Jeff Hagen with 129.75 miles. Lynne Werner took the women's honors with 105.14 miles. Megan's is a Portland Marathon weekend event, established as a fundraiser for SIDS research. This year the 2,152 miles ran raised well over $16,000 through mileage pledges and donations.

Jeff, in one year, has now won five 24-hour runs and the Mt. Rushmore Trail 100; a pretty impressive year. This was Lynne's first time at Megan's and she proved that her steady running style will make her a strong competitor at this event.

The heavy rain at the beginning of the race caused a certain amount of discomfort for the runners as well as all those supporting the race. After four hours there were finally some breaks and by nightfall the rain had stopped. The wet feet during the early part of the race certainly contributed to the gingerly way many of the runners were walking after the race.

Max Jones, 71 from England established an M70 world record for 100K (pending ratification) with a 10:27:42. This is the third year that Max has come to Megan's and each year he has used this race to establish age class records. Max's determination and speed are always an inspiration to the rest of us.

This year we were also joined by John Keston, 73 of Oregon who attempted to set a one-hour M70 record. Unfortunately, John's 8.33 miles came up just short of the record.

A real treat to this year's run was the addition of a "piano marathon" by Michael Allen Harrison, well-known concert pianist/composer. Michael and various guest artists performed for 24 hours straight. The music they provided was greatly appreciated and the variety of the pieces they played provided something for everyone. Not many 24 hour races can boast of having a concert pianist that stays for the whole 24 hours. Michael has already volunteered to return next year.

Phil and Kathy Edmunds started Megan's Run in 1986 in memory of their daughter Megan, who was lost to SIDS. We have them to thank for establishing a first class event. Appreciation also has to be expressed to Steve Hamilton, Hamilton Events and all the others on the Megan's Run, Inc. board for all the work that they do to make this run such a success. All the volunteers, as usual, were excellent. In addition, people will stop by the track to see what is happening and end up volunteering to lap count or help in other areas of service. All the support is greatly appreciated. Dr. Bill Cameron was also there to lend his support. Dr. Cameron is with the Oregon Health Sciences University and the recipient of the SIDS research money that is raised. All of those involved with the support of such a worthy cause help make Megan's Run one of the premier events of the Portland Marathon weekend.

Megan's 24 Hour Run
Portland, OR               October 3, 1998
400 meter track

 1. Jeff Hagen, 51, WA
    (8:31:21, 17:59:03)             129.75
 2. Randy Stillman, 48
    (8:26:47, 18:52:20)             121.54
 3. Eb Englemann, 56
    (9:33:59, 21:21:00)             111.10
 4. Leon Rothstein, 41, ID
    (8:43:45, 21:40:27)             107.37
 5. Lynne Werner, 47, WA
    (9:26:22, 22:22:53)     F       105.14
 6. Ed Willson, 44
    (9:07:31, 23:47:39)             100.66
 7. Lary Axmaker, 58
    (9:53:24, 23:37:22)             100.41
 8. Joe Edelen, 36, WA
    (9:09:15, 21:39:47)             100.16
 9. Ron Nicholl, 55, WA
    (8:33:39, 23:34:39)             100.16
10. Randy Christian, 42
    (11:02:31)                       91.33
11. E. David Granum, 52
    (11:08:10)                       91.07
12. Stephan Willow, 30
    (11:01:19)                       88.02
13. Joe Dana, 62
    (14:07:49)                       78.04
14. Terry Parker, 50, CA
    (15:41:00)              F        74.81
15. Michael Weng, 19, CA
    (10:20:40)                       74.32
16. Karen King, 41, WA
    (11:37:15)              F        73.55
17. Bill McCracken, 54
    (14:10:00)                       67.34
18. Linda Standal, 55, WA
    (17:08:19)              F        66.11
19. Joanne Cowan, 47, B.C.
    (13:24:40)              F        65.62
20. Frank Searfus, 48
    (15:06:40)                       65.12
21. Tom Boyd, 50
    (14:17:55)                       63.63
22. Rob Volkenand, 67
    (10:54:56)                       62.88
23. Max Jones, 71, ENG
    (8:13:30)                        62.39
24. Scott McQueeney, 42
    (11:07:18)                       50.46
25. Mark Clement, 58
    (9:20:49)                        50.00
26. Julia Morgan, 41        F        42.25
27. Sam Curtis, 55                   10.19
28. John Keston, 73                   8.33

Submitted by
Ron Nicholl

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